People love to mysticize and romanticize elements from other cultures. That leads to seeing chi as some sort of mysterious energy. That, plus taking wuxia novels (fantasy) and parlour tricks as something real.

I think you can demysticize chi by choosing a proper synonym. "Vitality" is a good word for most uses. "Train right and you can increase your *vitality*".

The other problem is that the word has so many uses in Chinese. EG. "chi water" is soda pop. (So unless Steven Seagal energy drink is carbonated, it won't give you chi).

Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices.
- Voltaire